A South Korean vehicle that has been flashy since its launch
Its identity is Kia Telluride
Recently captured in a 2nd generation test vehicle model
Kia’s Telluride, a large SUV tailored for the North American market, debuted in 2019 and quickly gained acclaim. The SUV was so well-received that it was named North American SUV of the Year within a year of its release. Praised for its spacious interior, the Telluride competes well with Hyundai’s Palisade, benefiting from Kia and Hyundai’s expertise in maximizing space. It also stands out for its use of high-quality materials and ability to comfortably accommodate adults in the third row.
In its first year on the market, the Telluride sold around 58,000 units in North America. The following year, it demonstrated the strength of Korean SUVs by increasing sales to about 75,000 units, marking a 28% growth. Kia is now preparing a fully redesigned version of the Telluride, with a prototype recently spotted in California.
The prototype shows a distinctly different, angular appearance and will feature a hybrid engine
The prototype of the new Telluride reveals a significant departure from the current model. Whereas the existing Telluride features a more rounded and charming design, the latest prototype showcases a sleek, angular look. Although the prototype was covered in camouflage, hints of its design emerged. The headlights draw inspiration from the EV9, featuring a thin vertical slant. The tail lights also sport a new arrangement, moving away from the current ㄱ shape.
The original Telluride came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, generating 291 horsepower and 36.2 kg.m of torque. The upcoming second-generation model is expected to introduce a hybrid powertrain, marking the first hybrid version of the Telluride. It will likely share a platform with the next-generation Palisade and feature a 2.5T hybrid powertrain. Hyundai’s advanced infotainment system, ccNC, is also anticipated to be included.
In South Korea, production has already undergone restructuring
When produced, it will be shipped to the U.S.
This shift becomes clearer when Kia’s production line changes are examined. In June 2024, Kia began a major restructuring of its Auto Land Hwaseong Engine Plant in South Korea. The company suspended several production lines from July 1, 2024, through February 2025. During this period, the plant will focus on producing the Theta 3 T-GDi engine, with an initial annual production target of 110,000 units. Kia plans to ramp up production if demand rises.
The second-generation Telluride will be the first vehicle to feature the Theta 3 T-GDi engine. Engines manufactured at Auto Land will be shipped to the U.S. in August 2025. Kia aims to complete mass production by the end of 2025 and start sales in 2026. With North America eagerly anticipating the new Telluride, the Theta 3 T-GDi engine is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency and greater power than the naturally aspirated engine.
Named after a picturesque town in Colorado, the Telluride quickly became a hit in North America, thanks mainly to its spacious interior, which resonated with the family-oriented culture of the U.S. market. It’s almost as if a South Korean car brand took a name inspired by American geography and filled the vehicle with features beloved by South Koreans.
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